Lindner was renowned for his high marking and by the time he retired in 1970 had played 287 games and kicked 257 goals for North Adelaide. His greatest achievement was winning the 1967 Magarey Medal, originally losing on a countback, but was later awarded it retrospectively when the league decided to give the award to those who had lost on countback in previous years. He had played that season in both defence and in the ruck and was also North Adelaide's best and fairest winner for the third time, having previously won the award in 1958 and 1962.

Other honours during his career include topping North Adelaide's goal kicking in 1955 with 36 goals, being a member of their 1960 premiership side and representing South Australia 16 times at interstate football. His best performance in South Australian colours came in the 1961 Brisbane Carnival where he was selected in the All Australian side. He captained and coached North Adelaide from 1963 to 1966, leading them to the Grand Final in his first year in charge. In 1967 he lost the coaching role to Geof Motley but remained captain until 1969.

Don Lindner died celebrating New Year's Eve 2008 at the Hampstead Hotel, Adelaide.[3]